How forest conservation law got the short shrift in ecotourism push

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Editor's note: In early October, the environment ministry quietly initiated public consultations on certain changes it wanted to make to India’s main law for conservation of forests—the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980—by issuing a consultation paper which describes the proposed amendments. Initially, the ministry only gave 15 days for people to send their feedback. But, responding to public criticism and suggestions, this was increased to 30 days. Subsequently, the ministry came out with translated versions of the consultation paper in multiple languages, ostensibly for wider consultations. Environment minister Bhupender Yadav, in an interview to The Hindu, also appeared to suggest that no changes will be made before “several rounds of consultations” with states.  And yet, six days before the public consultation period was to end, the environment ministry wrote a letter to state governments informing them that it had taken a decision on how ecotourism activities in forest areas, which involve construction or development of temporary structures, are to be regulated under the Forest (Conservation) Act, by making a change in its handbook. It stated that such activities are not to be classified …